The film version of the detective drama "Aibou" opened on 301 screens across Japan on Thursday. According to estimates by distributor Toei, the film has beat the opening day numbers of the 2006 hit "YAMATO," which currently stands as Toei's highest-grossing film at roughly 5.11 billion yen.

"YAMATO" had a wider opening on 315 screens, but as of April 27, the number of advance tickets sold for "Aibou" beat out those for "YAMATO" by more than 15%. However, the fact that "Aibou" opened on a Thursday rather than the typical Saturday release makes a direct comparison less accurate.

Sanspo also reports that opening day attendance was 150% of "YAMATO"'s, generating an estimated gross of 255 million yen. However, official numbers are not yet available, and it remains to be seen whether "Aibou" will be able to continue its excellent start.